Communication system, management apparatus, and controlling apparatus

ABSTRACT

A communication system includes a communication apparatus comprising a plurality of first connectors; a controlling apparatus that comprises a plurality of second connectors; a first gathering unit that gathers first identifiers for the respective communication cables coupled to the plurality of first connectors of the communication apparatus; a second gathering unit that gathers second identifiers for the respective communication cables coupled to the plurality of second connectors of the controlling apparatus; and a connection normality determining unit that determines whether or not the communication cables that connect between the controlling apparatus and the communication apparatus are connected properly, by comparing the first identifiers with the second identifiers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of theprior Japanese Patent application No. 2014-258588, filed on Dec. 22,2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The embodiments discussed herein are directed to a communication system,a management apparatus, and a controlling apparatus.

BACKGROUND

In a redundant arrays of inexpensive disks (RAID) apparatus, forexample, data is transmitted through cables using various buses. Most ofbuses (cable buses) used for cable transmissions are designed inaccordance with standards that are stipulated for cable transmissions.Hence, devices connected through a cable can determine their ownlocations in the connections by exchanging Slot IDs, for example.

On the contrary, only a limited number multi-purpose central processingunits (CPUs) directly support cable buses. Thus, a controller devicethat converts the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe)supported by multi-purpose CPUs to cable buses is provided to acontroller module (CM).

In such conventional RAID apparatuses, simply providing a controllerdevice that carries out the above conversion from the PCIe into cablebuses to a CM increases the production costs and results in a reductionin the performance.

To avoid such issues, direct cabling of PCIe is considered, withoutproviding a controller device.

-   Patent Document1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    2009-104351-   Patent Document2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 8-153017

However, for direct cabling between PCIe devices, it is required todetermine whether devices are properly connected.

SUMMARY

Thus, according to an aspect of the embodiments, a communication systemincludes a communication apparatus comprising a plurality of firstconnectors; a controlling apparatus that comprises a plurality of secondconnectors and is connected to the communication apparatus through aplurality of communication cables; a first gathering unit that gathersfirst identifiers for the respective communication cables coupled to theplurality of first connectors of the communication apparatus; a secondgathering unit that gathers second identifiers for the respectivecommunication cables coupled to the plurality of second connectors ofthe controlling apparatus; and a connection normality determining unitthat determines whether or not the communication cables that connectbetween the controlling apparatus and the communication apparatus areconnected properly, by comparing the first identifiers with the secondidentifiers.

The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attainedby means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out inthe claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and arenot restrictive of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cable connection configuration in astorage apparatus as one example of a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the connection configuration among SVCand CMs in the storage apparatus as one example of the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting the functional configuration of the SVC inthe storage apparatus as one example of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of FRT connector informationin the storage apparatus as one example of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating CM information in the storageapparatus as one example of the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of CM connector informationin the storage apparatus as one example of the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting the functional configuration of a CM inthe storage apparatus as one example of the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of processing by thestorage apparatus as one example of the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a CM number recognizingunit in a CM in the storage apparatus as one example of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a connector checkingunit in a CM in the storage apparatus as one example of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a connection normalitydetermining unit in a CM in the storage apparatus as one example of thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a CM number providingunit in an SVC in the storage apparatus as one example of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a connector checkingunit in the SVC in the storage apparatus as one example of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a connector statusnotifying unit in the SVC in the storage apparatus as one example of thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a startup controllingunit in the SVC in the storage apparatus as one example of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a diagram depicting the functional configuration of an SVC ina storage apparatus as one example of a second embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram depicting the functional configuration of a CM inthe storage apparatus as one example of the second embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of FRT connectorinformation in the storage apparatus as one example of the secondembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of CM connector informationin the storage apparatus as one example of the second embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating connection correction data in thestorage apparatus as one example of the second embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a connector checkingunit and a connector status notifying unit in a CM in the storageapparatus as one example of the second embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a connectioncorrection data managing unit in a CM in the storage apparatus as oneexample of the second embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a communicationcontrolling unit in a CM in the storage apparatus as one example of thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a connector statusmanaging unit in an SVC in the storage apparatus as one example of thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a pathway sorting outunit in the SVC in the storage apparatus as one example of the secondembodiment;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a connectioncorrection data generating unit in the SVC in the storage apparatus asone example of the second embodiment; and

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a connectioncorrection data sending unit in the SVC in the storage apparatus as oneexample of the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of a communication system, a managementapparatus, and a controlling apparatus will be described with referenceto the drawings. Note that the embodiments below are described by way ofexample only, and various modifications and applications of techniquesthat are not described explicitly in the embodiments illustrated beloware not intended to be excluded. In other words, various modificationsof the embodiment may be implemented (e.g., combining embodiments andmodifications) without departing from the spirit of the embodiment.Furthermore, it is not intended that the drawings illustrate onlyelements depicted therein, and may include other functions and the like.

(A) First Embodiment

(a) Configuration

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cable connection configuration in astorage apparatus 1 as one example of a first embodiment.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1, the storage apparatus 1 includes aservice processor (hereinafter referred to as “SVC”) 3, a midplane 5,multiple (two are illustrated in FIG. 1) controller modules (hereinafterreferred to as “CMs”) 2 and four front-end routers (hereinafter referredto as “FRTs”) 4-1 to 4-4.

An example in which the multiple CMs 2 and the multiple FRTs 4-1 to 4-4are connected with PCIe communication cables 8 in such a storageapparatus 1, will be described.

The midplane 5 is a circuit board apparatus that performs datacommunications among devices, and includes multiple connectors (notillustrated) and performs bus communications among devices connected tothese connectors.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1, the SVC 3 and the four FRTs 4-1 to4-4 are connected to the midplane 5.

The FRTs 4-1 to 4-4 are communication apparatuses that enablecommunications among the multiple CMs 2 (inter-CM communications). TheFRTs 4-1 to 4-4 have similar configurations.

Note that, hereinafter, the FRT 4-1 may also be referred to as FRT #0.Similarly, the FRT 4-2, the FRT 4-3, and the FRT 4-4 may also bereferred to as FRT #1, FRT #2, and FRT #3, respectively.

Note that, hereinafter, the reference symbols 4-1 to 4-4 are used forreferring to a specific FRT while reference symbol 4 is used whenreference is made to any of the multiple FRTs.

Furthermore, hereinafter, the reference symbols 2-1 and 2-2 are used forreferring to a specific CM while reference symbol 2 is used whenreference is made to any of the multiple CMs.

Each FRT 4 includes a PCIe switch (PCIe SW) 42 and multiple (e.g., 24)connectors (first connectors) 41. Note that a part of the connectors 41are illustrated in each FRT 4 for the sake of brevity in FIG. 1.

To each connector 41, a connector (not illustrated) that is attached toone end of a PCIe communication cable (hereinafter, simply referred toas “communication cable”) 8 is detachably coupled. For example, if theconnector of the communication cable 8 is a male connector, theconnector 41 is a female connector.

A connector (not illustrated) that is attached to the other end of thecommunication cable 8 is coupled to a connector (described later) of theCM 2-1 or 2-2.

Hereinafter, the situation where the connectors of the communicationcables 8 are attached to the connectors 41 or the connectors 21 isreferred to as coupled (mounted), and the situation where the connectorsof the communication cables 8 are not attached to the connectors 41 orthe connectors 21 is referred to as uncoupled (unmounted).

The situation where the connectors of the communication cables 8 arephysically inserted to the connectors 41 of the FRTs 4 or the connectors21 of the CMs 2 is referred to as the “coupled status”. The situationwhere the connectors of the communication cables 8 are inserted to theconnectors 41 of the FRTs 4 or the connectors 21 of the CMs 2 so as tobe electrically communicative with each other is referred to as the“connected status”.

Each FRT 4 is connected to all CMs 2 through the communication cables 8.Specifically, each CM 2 is connected to all FRTs 4 through thecommunication cables 8.

Read only memories (ROMs) are provided to the connectors at the bothends of each communication cable 8 and the same serial number (S/N) isstored in the ROMs as the identifier. The FRTs 4 and the CMs 2 can readand obtain the serial number from these ROMs.

Each FRT 4 includes a programmable logic device (PLD) which is notillustrated. The PLD checks whether or not a communication cable 8 iscoupled to each connector 41, and stores, in a storage area (notillustrated), the information as to whether or not a communication cable8 is coupled, for each connector 41.

The PCIe switch 42 is a circuit device that switches among datacommunication pathways, and in response to data being entered to theconnector 41, makes the data to be output from another connector 41 orthe like, depending on the sender (communication counterpart) of thedata.

In addition, each FRT 4 is connected to the SVC 3 through a data bus 9and the midplane 5. Hereinafter, the data communication paths thatconnect the respective FRTs 4 and SVCs 3 through these data buses 9 andthe midplane 5 may also be referred to as a first data bus 90.

Each SVC 3 is a monitor apparatus that performs various types ofmonitoring in the storage apparatus 1, and the SVC 3 communicates witheach CM 2 to gather error state information into an error log, forexample.

Each SVC 3 also functions as a managing apparatus that managescommunications among the CMs 2 and the FRTs 4, and realizes a cableconnection normality determination function for determining normality ofconnections between the CMs 2 and the FRTs 4 through the communicationcables 8, in cooperation with the CMs 2, as will be described later.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the SVC 3 includes a monitor device 30 andmultiple (two are illustrated in the example depicted in FIG. 1)connectors (oCNs) 31. A connector at one end of the monitor interfacecable 70 (not illustrated) is detachably coupled to each connector 31. Aconnector (not illustrated) at the other end of the monitor interfacecable 70 is coupled to a connector (oCN) 24 provided to each CM 2, suchthat the SVC 3 is communicatively connected to respective CMs 2 throughthe monitor interface cables 70 to monitor the respective CMs 2.

While two of the CMs 2 and the connectors 31 are illustrated in theexample depicted in FIG. 1 for the sake of brevity, three or more (e.g.,24) of CMs 2 and connectors 31 may be provided and various modificationsmay be made.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the connection configuration of the SVC3 and the CMs 2. In the example depicted in FIG. 2, 24 connectors 31 areprovided to the SVC 3, and the respective CMs 2 are connected to theconnectors 31 through the respective monitor interface cables 70.

The monitor device 30 includes a micro-processing unit (MPU) 32, a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) 33, and a memory 34.

The FPGA 33 is an integrated circuit of, a circuit configuration ofwhich is rewritable, and a single connector 31 is connected to each ofmultiple (e.g., 24) ports provided to the FPGA 33. Hereinafter, for thesake of brevity, the connectors 31 in the SVC 3 and ports are usedinterchangeably.

The memory 34 is a storage memory including a ROM and a random accessmemory (RAM). A software program and data for that program for realizingthe monitor function and the cable connection normality determinationfunction of the SVC 3 are written into the ROM in the memory 34. Thesoftware program in the memory 34 is suitably read into the MPU 32 andexecuted thereon. Furthermore, the RAM in the memory 34 is used as aprimary storage memory or a working memory.

The MPU 32 is a processing apparatus that performs various types ofcontrols and computations, and realizes various functions by executingan operating system (OS) and programs stored in the memory 34.

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting the functional configuration of the SVC 3in the storage apparatus 1 as one example of the first embodiment.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the MPU 32 includes functions as a CM numberproviding unit 321, a connector checking unit 322, a connector statusnotifying unit 323, and a startup controlling unit 326.

The MPU 32 functions as the CM number providing unit 321, the connectorchecking unit 322, the connector status notifying unit 323, and thestartup controlling unit 326, by executing programs stored in the memory34 and the like.

The CM number providing unit 321 sets apparatus identifiers to the CMs 2connected to the SVC 3, for identifying the CMs 2, and functions as anapparatus identifier setting unit.

An apparatus identifier is set in accordance with a port number n (n isa natural number of zero or greater) that identifies each port in theFPGA 33 provided to the monitor device 30 in the SVC 3. In the presentembodiment, an integer n (n is a natural number of zero or greater) thatequals to a port number n is used as an apparatus identifier, forexample. Hereinafter, apparatus identifiers set by the CM numberproviding unit 321 may also be referred to as CM numbers.

A CM number inquiry is entered to the SVC 3 from the CM numberrecognizing unit 221 (described later) in a CM 2, through the monitorinterface cable 70.

For example, the relationships between connectors 31 (ports) andcorresponding CMs 2 to be connected are determined in advance as aspecification, and such relationships are stored in the memory 34 or thelike, as CM number matching information.

In response to a signal of a CM number inquiry being entered to theconnector 31 (port) from a CM 2, the CM number providing unit 321identifies the port number of the FPGA 33 which is connected to the CM 2that has sent the CM number inquiry, and identifies the CM 2 that hasentered the CM number inquiry as an interrupt signal, by looking up theCM number matching information, based on that port number.

The CM number providing unit 321 then responds to (notifies) the CM 2that has sent the CM number inquiry, with (of) the identified CM number(CM number notification), via the connector 31, the monitor interfacecable 70, and the connector 24.

The connector checking unit 322 gathers information on connections withthe communication cables 8 at each of the connectors 41, for each of theFRTs 4. Specifically, the connector checking unit 322 collects, fromeach FRT 4, two types of information, namely, presence or absence ofcoupling and the serial number (S/N), for respective connectors 41 ineach FRT 4, via the first data bus 90.

The presence or absence of coupling indicates whether or not acommunication cable 8 is coupled to that connector 41. Specifically, thepresence or absence of coupling is information assuming a value ofeither “coupled” or “uncoupled”. Hereinafter, the presence or absence ofcoupling may also be referred to as the “coupled status”. In addition,information indicating the coupled status of a communication cable 8 ata connector 41 may also be referred to as “coupled status information”.

For example, when a connector of a communication cable 8 is attached toa connector 41 of an FRT 4, a signal indicating the coupled status isentered to the monitor device 30 in the FPGA 33 of the SVC 3, and a flagis set to that register.

When the storage apparatus 1 is started up or an operation thereof isinitiated or in the other situations, a PLD (not illustrated) providedto the monitor device 30 gathers coupled statuses of the respectiveconnectors 41 of the FRTs 4 by reading values of the flags in the FPGA33. The connector checking unit 322 gathers coupled status informationby reading these coupled statuses gathered by the PLD.

The serial number is a serial number that is registered in a ROM in thecommunication cable 8 coupled to the connector 41.

The connector checking unit 322 reads the serial number of acommunication cable 8 that is connected to a connector 41, from theconnector 41 in the FRT 4 via the first data bus 90.

Note that the particular method to obtain serial numbers may be suitablyvaried. For example, the PLD provided to the FRT 4 may gather the serialnumber and store the serial number into a storage area, such as anunillustrated register, and the connector checking unit 322 may obtainthe serial number by reading the information stored in the storage area.

The coupled status information and the serial number gathered by theconnector checking unit 322 are stored in a predetermined area in thememory 34 as FRT connector information 341, while being related toinformation for identifying the connector 41 to which the communicationcable 8 is coupled.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the FRT connectorinformation 341 in the storage apparatus 1 as one example of the firstembodiment. In the example depicted in FIG. 4, the FRT connectorinformation 341 is illustrated in a table format, for the sake ofbrevity.

The FRT connector information 341 depicted in FIG. 4 includes an FRTNo., a port No., a coupled status, and a serial number (S/N), which arerelated to each other, as entries.

The FRT No. is an identifier for identifying an FRT 4, and “FRT0”,“FRT1”, “FRT2”, and “FRT3” represent FRT #0, FRT #1, FRT #2, FRT #3,respectively, for example.

The port No. is an identifier for identifying a connector 41 (port) inthe FRT 4, and “Port0”, “Port1”, and “Port2” correspond to theconnectors 41 connected to Port0, Port1, and Port2 provided to the FRT4, respectively, for example.

The coupled status and the serial number (S/N) are information gatheredby the connector checking unit 322.

Accordingly, the first entry in the table depicted in the example inFIG. 4, for example, indicates that the communication cable 8 with aserial number of “1234567890” is coupled to the connector 41 of Port0 ofFRT #0.

In this manner, the connector checking unit 322 functions as a firstgathering unit that gathers the coupled status indicating the coupledstatus of the communication cable 8 (first connected statusinformation), and the serial number of the communication cable 8 that isconnected to the connector (first identifier), for connectors 41 of eachof the FRTs 4.

Note that, in the storage apparatus 1, the relationship between theconnectors 21 (ports) in the CMs 2 and the connectors (ports) 41 of theFRTs 4 connected thereto are defined in advance as the apparatusspecifications. Accordingly, for a particular CM 2, the coupled statusand the serial number of the connector 41 (port) of the FRT 4 that is tobe connected to the connector 21 in the CM 2 can be obtained by lookingup the FRT connector information 341.

The connector status notifying unit (first notifying unit) 323 notifiesthe CM 2 of the FRT connector information 341 (the coupled status andthe serial number of the communication cable 8) gathered by theconnector checking unit 322 as described above.

The connector status notifying unit 323, in response to receiving, froma CM 2, a port status information request to which the CM number of thatCM 2 is set, i.e., to which the CM number is included, as will bedescribed later, looks up the FRT connector information 341 based on thereceived CM number. The connector status notifying unit 323 then reads,from the FRT connector information 341, the coupled status and theserial number of the port corresponding to the CM 2 of the received CMnumber. Hereinafter, the coupled status and the serial number of theport corresponding to the CM 2, which are read from the FRT connectorinformation 341, may also be referred to as port status information.

The connector checking unit 322 sends, the port status information, backto the CM 2 which has sent the port status information request.

When a serial number corresponding to the connector 41 has not beenregistered in the FRT connector information 341, the connector statusnotifying unit 323 sends information indicating uncoupled (certaincode), back to the originator CM 2.

As described above, the connector status notifying unit 323 functions asa notifying unit that notifies the CM 2 of the coupled status (firstconnected status information) and the serial number (first identifier)gathered by the connector checking unit 322.

The startup controlling unit 326 performs a control to start the storageapparatus 1, and performs a control, such as power on and the like toparts provided to the storage apparatus 1, for example.

In addition, the startup controlling unit 326 starts the storageapparatus 1 when connection normal notifications are received from theconnection normality determining units 223 (described later) in acertain number or more of CMs 2 in the storage apparatus 1. Ifconnection normal notifications are not received from the certain numberor more of CMs 2, the startup controlling unit 326 stops start of thestorage apparatus 1.

Each of the CMs 2 performs a various types of controls in the storageapparatus 1, such as access controls to storage apparatus, such as anunillustrated hard disk drive (HDD), in accordance with a storage accessrequest from a host apparatus (not illustrated). The CMs 2 have similarconfigurations.

Furthermore, each of the CMs 2 realizes a cable connection normalitydetermination function that determines whether or not connections withthe FRTs 4 through the communication cables 8 are normal, in cooperationwith the SVC 3 described above.

Each of the CMs 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a CPU 22, a memory 23,a connector 24, a monitor device 25, and multiple (four, in the exampledepicted in FIG. 1) connectors 11.

A connector at one end of the communication cable 8 is detachablycoupled to the connector 21. For example, if the connector of thecommunication cable 8 is a male connector, the connector 21 is a femaleconnector.

In addition, a connector at the other end of the communication cable 8is coupled to a connector 41 of an FRT 4 described above. Each CM 2 isconnected to all FRTs 4 through the communication cables 8.

One end of the monitor interface cable 70 is detachably coupled to theconnector 24. The other end of the monitor interface cable 70 is coupledto a connector 31 provided to the SVC 3, thereby communicativelyconnecting the CM 2 to the SVC 3 through a monitor interface cable 70.

The monitor device 25 is connected to each connector 21 in the same CM 2through the data bus, and monitors the respective connected statuses ofthe communication cables 8 at the connectors 21 and reads the serialnumbers from the ROMs of the connected communication cables 8.

The monitor device 25 includes an MPU and an FPGA, neither of which isnot illustrated, for example, and gathers the respective coupledstatuses of the communication cables 8 at the connectors 21, using theFPGA, as well as gathers the serial numbers of the communication cables8, using the MPU.

Note that the configuration of the monitor device 25 is not limited tothe above-described one, and various modifications may be made. Forexample, the function as the monitor device 25 may be embodied by theCPU 22 by executing a program.

Hereinafter, information indicating the coupled status of acommunication cable 8 at a connector 21 may also be referred to ascoupled status information.

The coupled status information and serial numbers obtained by themonitor device 25 are stored in a storage area, e.g., an unillustratedregister.

In addition, the monitor device 25 is also communicatively connected tothe CPU 22 through the data bus.

The memory 23 is a storage memory including a ROM and a RAM. The ROM inthe memory 23 stores, a software program that realizes the monitorfunction and the cable connection normality determination function ofthe CM 2 and data for that program. The software program on the memory23 is suitably read and executed by the CPU 22. Furthermore, the RAM inthe memory 23 is used as a primary storage memory or a working memory.

In addition, the CM information 231 and the CM connector information 232are stored in the RAM in the memory 23.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the CM information 231 in thestorage apparatus 1 as one example of the first embodiment. FIG. 5Aillustrates the status before information is stored, and FIG. 5Billustrates the status after information is stored.

The CM information 231 stores a local CM number that is CM number of thelocal CM 2. The local CM number is information identifying the local CM2 that is the CM 2 where the memory 23 is included, and specifically, isCM information notified (sent back) by the above-described CM numberproviding unit 321 in the SVC 3.

As depicted in FIG. 5A, before a CM number is notified from the CMnumber providing unit 321 in the SVC 3, the local CM number in the CMinformation 231 assumes a value of “invalid”.

Then, once a CM number is notified from the CM number providing unit 321in the SVC 3, as depicted in FIG. 5B, the notified value is set to thelocal CM number in the CM information 231 and the value is changed to“valid”. FIG. 5B illustrates an example where a value of “1” is notifiedfrom the CM number providing unit 321 as the CM number of the local CM2.

The CM connector information 232 is information about the respectivecommunication cables 8 coupled to the connectors 21 provided to the CM2. Specifically, similar to the FRT connector information 341, the CMconnector information 232 includes two types of information: thepresence or absence of coupling and the serial numbers of the respectiveconnectors 21 provided to the CM 2.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the CM connector information 232 in thestorage apparatus 1 as one example of the first embodiment. Note that,in the example depicted in FIG. 6, the CM connector information 232 isillustrated in a table format, for the sake of brevity.

The CM connector information 232 depicted in FIG. 6 includes a portnumber, a coupled status, and a serial number (S/N), which are relatedto each other, as entries.

The port number is an identifier for identifying the connectors 21(ports) in the CM 2, for example, and “Port0”, “Port1”, “Port2”, and“Port3” correspond to the connectors 21 connected to Port0, Port1,Port2, Port3 provided to the CM 2, respectively.

The coupled status and the serial number (S/N) are information gatheredby the connector checking unit 322.

Accordingly, for example, the first entry in the table depicted in FIG.6, indicates that a communication cable 8 of a serial number“1234567890” is connected to the connector 21 at Port0 in the CM 2.

The CM connector information 232 is gathered by the connector checkingunit 222 described later, and stored in a predetermined area in thememory 23.

The CPU 22 is a processing apparatus that performs various types ofcontrols and computations, and realizes various functions by executingan OS and programs stored in the memory 23.

FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting the functional configuration of a CM 2 inthe storage apparatus 1 as one example of the first embodiment. Asdepicted in FIG. 7, the MPU 32 includes functions as a CM numberrecognizing unit 221, a connector checking unit 222, and a connectionnormality determining unit 223.

The CPU 22 functions as these CM number recognizing unit 221, theconnector checking unit 222 and the connection normality determiningunit 223, by executing a program stored in the memory 23 or the like.

The CM number recognizing unit 221 requests to inquire the CM number ofthe local CM 2, i.e., the CM 2 in which the CPU 22 executing thefunction as the CM number recognizing unit 221 is provided (CM numberinquiry), by sending an obtainment request for the CM number (apparatusidentifier) (CM number inquiry) to the SVC 3.

When the storage apparatus 1 is started up or an operation thereof isinitiated or in the other situations, the CM number recognizing unit 221requests a CM number inquiry to the SVC 3 through the monitor interfacecable 70, for example.

In addition, this CM number inquiry from the CM 2 is made by entering aninterrupt signal from the CM 2 to the SVC 3 via the connector 24, themonitor interface cable 70, and the connector 31, for example.

When the CM number providing unit 321 in the SVC 3 sends a CM number inresponse to this CM number inquiry, the CM number recognizing unit 221receives the replied CM number and stores it in a predetermined area inthe memory 23, as the CM information 231. Using the received CM number,the CM number recognizing unit 221 recognizes the CM number given to thelocal CM 2.

In addition, when the storage apparatus 1 is started up or an operationthereof is initiated or in the other situations, the CM numberrecognizing unit 221 notifies the SVC 3 of the initiation of the startupoperation, through the monitor interface cable 70.

The connector checking unit 222 gathers information about coupling ofthe communication cables 8 coupled to the respective connectors 21provided to the local CM 2. Specifically, the connector checking unit222 collects the coupled status information and the serial number ofeach connector 21.

For example, the connector checking unit 222 reads the coupled statusinformation and the serial number that are obtained by the monitordevice 25 and stored in a register or the like. Note that the connectorchecking unit 222 (the CPU 22) may gather the coupled status informationand the serial number from the connector 21, for example, and how suchinformation is collected may be suitably varied.

The coupled status information and the serial number gathered by theconnector checking unit 222 are stored in a predetermined area in thememory 23, as the CM connector information 232, while being related toinformation for identifying the connector 21 (refer to FIG. 6).

As described above, the connector checking unit 222 functions as asecond gathering unit that gathers, for each connector 21 provided tothe CM 2, a coupled status indicating the coupled status of thecommunication cable 8 (second connected status information), and theserial number (second identifier) of the communication cable 8 connectedto the connector 21.

The connection normality determining unit 223 determines whether or notthe communication cable 8 coupled to the connector 21 is properlyconnected to a connector 41 of an FRT 4. Specifically, the connectionnormality determining unit 223 determines whether or not connectionsbetween each connector 21 provided to the CM 2 and each connector 41provided to the FRT 4 through the respective communication cables 8 arenormal.

Specifically, the connection normality determining unit 223 sends a portstatus information request to the SVC 3, and obtains the coupled statusinformation and the serial numbers of the respective connectors of thecommunication cables 8 coupled to the connectors 21 in the local CM 2,gathered by the connector checking unit 222. Thereby, for the respectiveconnectors 41 in each FRT 4 to be connected to the correspondingconnectors 21 provided to the local CM 2, the coupled status of thecommunication cables 8 and the serial numbers of the coupledcommunication cables 8 are obtained.

Note that the port status information request is sent from the CM 2 tothe SVC 3 through the monitor interface cable 70, as an interruptnotification, for example.

A local CM number is set in the port status information request, and theconnector status notifying unit 323 in the SVC 3 that has received portstatus information request can identify the originator CM 2 using thisnumber and read the coupled status information and the serial numbercorresponding to the originator CM 2, from the FRT connector information341.

When receiving the port status information from the connector statusnotifying unit 323 in the SVC 3, the connection normality determiningunit 223 compares the port status information, i.e., the coupled statusand the serial number detected at the FRT 4 managed in the SVC 3, withthe coupled status information and the serial numbers gathered by theconnector checking unit 222, of the connectors of the communicationcables 8 connected to the respective connectors 21 in the local CM 2. Inother words, the connection normality determining unit 223 checkswhether or not the coupled status and the serial number managed in theSVC 3 match the coupled status and the serial number managed in the CM2.

If the coupled statuses and the serial numbers match as a result of theinquiry, the connection normality determining unit 223 determines thatthe matched connector 21 is properly connected (no incorrectconnection). Otherwise, any unmatched connector 21 is determined as notbeing properly connected (incorrect connection).

As described above, the connection normality determining unit 223determines whether or not a connection is normal for each communicationcable 8 connecting a CM 2 and an FRT 4, by comparing the coupled statusand the serial number notified from the SVC 3, with the coupled statusand the serial number gathered by the connector checking unit 322.

If an incorrect connection is determined, alerting processing, such asturning on warning light, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), oroutputting a message indicating that an incorrect connection is found ona display (not illustrated), for example. Based on the alert, a systemadministrator or any other users reconnects the communication cable 8 toproper connectors 41 and 21.

In addition, if no incorrect connection is determined, a notificationindicating that the communication cable 8 is properly connected(connection normal notification) is sent to the SVC 3.

(b) Operations

An overview of processing by the storage apparatus 1 as one example ofthe first embodiment configured as described above will be describedwith reference to a flowchart (Steps A1-A7 and B1-B6) depicted in FIG.8. Note that, in the flowchart depicted in FIG. 8, Steps A1-A7 indicatethe processing in the CMs 2, while Steps B1-B6 indicate the processingin the SVC 3.

When the storage apparatus 1 is powered on, the power is supplied to theCMs 2 and the SVC 3.

In each CM 2, a CM number recognizing unit 221 requests the SVC 3 tocheck the CM number of the local CM 2 (Step A1).

Specifically, the CM number recognizing unit 221 sends a CM numberinquiry to the SVC 3 via the connector 24, the monitor interface cable70, and the connector 31.

In the SVC 3, the CM number providing unit 321 identifies the CM number,based on the port number of the FPGA 33 to which the CM 2 that has sentthe CM number inquiry is connected, and responds to the CM 2 that hassent the CM number inquiry, with the CM number (Step B1). Note that thedetails of processing of the CM number providing unit 321 will bedescribed later with reference to FIG. 12.

At the CM 2, the CM number recognizing unit 221 receives the CM numbersent from the SVC 3, and recognizes the CM number of its own (Step A2).The received CM number is stored in the memory 23 as the CM information231. The details of processing of the CM number recognizing unit 221will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

At the CM 2, the connector checking unit 222 performs a coupling checkon the communication cables 8 at the respective connectors 21 providedto the local CM 2, and gathers information about connections with thecommunication cables 8 (Step A3). In addition, the connector checkingunit 222 checks and reads the serial numbers of the communication cables8 connected to the respective connectors 21 (Step A4). The obtainedinformation is stored in a predetermined area in the memory 23, as theCM connector information 232. The details of processing of the connectorchecking unit 222 will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

Also, at the SVC 3, the connector checking unit 322 performs a couplingcheck on the communication cables 8 at the respective connectors 41 ofeach of the FRTs 4, and gathers information about connections with thecommunication cables 8 (Step B2). In addition, the connector checkingunit 322 checks and reads the serial numbers of the communication cables8 connected to the respective connectors 41 (Step B3). The obtainedinformation is stored in a predetermined area in the memory 34, as theFRT connector information 341, in a form of a table, for example (StepB4). The details of processing of the connector checking unit 322 willbe described later with reference to FIG. 13.

At the CM 2, the connection normality determining unit 223 sends a portstatus information request to the SVC 3, together with the CM number ofthe local CM 2. Thereby, the connection normality determining unit 223requests, to the SVC 3, the coupled statuses of the communication cables8 and the serial numbers of the communication cables 8, for theconnectors 41 in each FRT 4 which are to be connected to the respectiveconnectors 21 provided to the local CM 2 (Step A5).

At the SVC 3, the connector status notifying unit 323 responds to the CM2 that has sent the port status information request, with the coupledstatus and the serial number of the port corresponding to the CM 2 ofthe received CM number (Step B5). Note that, in the FRT connectorinformation 341, if a serial number corresponding to the connector 41has not been registered, the connector status notifying unit 323responds to the originator CM 2 with information indicating uncoupled(certain code). The details of processing of the connector statusnotifying unit 323 will be described later with reference to FIG. 14.

At the CM 2, the connection normality determining unit 223 compares thecoupled status and the serial number notified from the SVC 3, with thecoupled status information and the serial numbers of the respectiveconnectors of the communication cables 8 coupled to the connectors 21 inthe local CM 2 gathered by the connector checking unit 222 (Step A6).

If the coupled statuses and the serial numbers do not match (refer tothe “UNMATCH” route from Step A6), alarm processing, such as turning onan LED, is performed and the processing ends.

Otherwise, if the coupled statuses and the serial numbers match (referto the “MATCH” route from Step A6), no incorrect connection isdetermined and a connection normal notification is sent to the SVC 3(Step A7). The details of processing of the connection normalitydetermining unit 223 will be described later with reference to FIG. 11.

At the SVC 3, when the connection normal notification is received fromthe CM 2, the startup controlling unit 326 issues a startup instructionof the storage apparatus 1 (Step B6), and the storage apparatus 1 isstarted. The details of processing of the startup controlling unit 326will be described later with reference to FIG. 15.

Next, processing by a CM number recognizing unit 221 in a CM 2 in thestorage apparatus 1 as one example of the first embodiment will bedescribed with reference to a flowchart (Steps C1-C4) depicted in FIG.9.

The CM number recognizing unit 221 notifies the SVC 3 of an initiationof an apparatus startup (Step C1), and requests an inquiry of the CMnumber of the local CM 2 to the SVC 3 (Step C2).

The CM number recognizing unit 221 receives the CM number notificationreplied from the SVC 3 (Step C3), and saves the received CM number in apredetermined storage area in the memory 23, as the CM information 231(Step C4), the processing ends.

Next, processing by a connector checking unit 222 in a CM 2 in thestorage apparatus 1 as one example of the first embodiment will bedescribed with reference to a flowchart (Steps E1-E6) depicted in FIG.10.

At the CM 2, the FPGA in the monitor device 25 gathers the respectivecoupled statuses of the communication cables 8 at the connectors 21(Step E1).

The connector checking unit 222 reads the coupled status informationgathered by the FPGA, and stores it in the memory 23 as the CM connectorinformation 232. The connector checking unit 222 checks the coupledstatuses that are read (Step E2). In addition, a variable X isinitialized by setting a value of 0 (X=0). Note that X is a variablecorresponding to the number of connectors 21 provided to the CM 2, andin the present embodiment, for example, X is a natural number of 0≤X≤3.

It is checked whether or not a communication cable 8 is coupled to theconnector 21 at PortX (Step E3).

If it is determined that a communication cable 8 is not coupled to theconnector 21 at PortX (refer to the “UNCOUPLED” route from Step E3), Xis incremented (X=X+1) and (Step E6) and the control returns to Step E3.

If a communication cable 8 is coupled to the connector 21 at PortX inthis determination (refer to the “COUPLED” route from Step E3), theconnector checking unit 222 reads the serial number of the communicationcable 8 connected to the connector 21 through the data bus, and storesit in the memory 23 as the CM connector information 232 (Step E4).

Thereafter, it is checked whether or not X is three or greater (StepE5). If X is less than three (refer to the NO route from Step E5), thecontrol proceeds to Step E6. Otherwise, if X is three or greater (referto the YES route from Step E5), the processing ends.

Next, processing by a connection normality determining unit 223 in a CM2 in the storage apparatus 1 as one example of the first embodiment willbe described with reference to a flowchart (Steps F1-F6) depicted inFIG. 11.

The connection normality determining unit 223 sends, to the SVC 3, aport status information request that requests data of the serial numberof the communication cable 8 connected to the connector 41 in the FRT 4,through the monitor interface cable 70 (Step F1).

The connection normality determining unit 223 checks whether or notthere is a response (data reply) to the port status information requestfrom the SVC 3 (Step F2). If there is no reply (refer to the NO routefrom Step F2), Step F2 is repeated.

If there is a data reply to the port status information request from theSVC 3 (refer to the YES route from Step F2), the connection normalitydetermining unit 223 compares the coupled status information and theserial number replied from the SVC 3, with the CM connector information232 stored in the memory 23 (Step F3).

If the coupled status information and the serial number replied from theSVC 3 completely match the coupled status information and the serialnumbers of the respective connectors of the communication cables 8coupled to the connectors 21 in the local CM 2 gathered by the connectorchecking unit 222 (refer to the “MATCH” route from Step F3), the controlproceeds to Step F6. Specifically, the connector checking unit 222notifies the SVC 3 that the connections are normal (connection normalnotification), and the processing ends.

Otherwise, if the coupled status information and the serial numberreplied from the SVC 3 do not match the coupled status information andthe serial numbers of the respective connectors of the communicationcables 8 coupled to the connectors 21 in the local CM 2 gathered by theconnector checking unit 222 (refer to the “UNMATCH” route from Step F3),the control proceeds to Step F4.

Specifically, for the connector 21 (port) for which at least one of thecoupled status information and the serial number does not match, theconnector checking unit 222 sends, to the SVC 3, information identifyingthat port and the CM number of that CM 2 (Step F4).

In addition, after the connector checking unit 222 notifies an operatoror any other users that there is an incorrect connection on thecommunication cable 8, by performing alerting processing, such asturning on warning light, e.g., an LED, or outputting a messageindicating that an incorrect connection is found on a display (notillustrated) (Step F5), the processing ends.

Next, processing by the CM number providing unit 321 in the SVC 3 in thestorage apparatus 1 as one example of the first embodiment will bedescribed with reference to a flowchart (Steps G1-G4) depicted in FIG.12.

When an interrupt notification is received from a CM 2 through a monitorinterface cable 70, the CM number providing unit 321 starts theprocessing (Step G1).

The CM number providing unit 321 examines factors of the enteredinterrupt notification, and determines to which connector 31, i.e., towhich port the interrupt signal is entered (Step G2).

The CM number providing unit 321 identifies (determines) the CM 2 thathas sent the CM number inquiry entered as the interrupt signal, bylooking up the CM number matching information, based on the port numberof the port to which the interrupt signal is entered (Step G3).

The CM number providing unit 321 then sends the identified CM number tothe CM 2 that has sent the CM number inquiry, via the connector 31, themonitor interface cable 70, and the connector 24 (Step G4), and theprocessing ends.

Next, processing by the connector checking unit 322 in the SVC 3 in thestorage apparatus 1 as one example of the first embodiment will bedescribed with reference to a flowchart (Steps D1-D11) depicted in FIG.13.

When the FPGA 33 in the monitor device 30 in the SVC 3 is started, theconnector checking unit 322 gathers coupled status information of an FRTconnector (not illustrated) provided to the midplane 5 (Step D1).Specifically, the connector checking unit 322 checks whether or not eachFRT 4 is coupled in the midplane 5.

In addition, when a PLD in each FRT 4 is started, each PLD gathers thecoupled status of the connector 41 of its own (Step D2).

The connector checking unit 322 reads the coupled status information ofthe FRT 4 gathered by the FPGA 33 in Step D1, stores it in the memory 34as the FRT connector information 341 (Step D3). In addition, variable Yis initialized by setting a value of 0 (Y=0).

Note that Y is a variable corresponding to the number of FRTs 4, in thepresent embodiment, for example, Y is a natural number of 0≤Y≤23, andused as FRT #Y for expressing an arbitrary FRT 4. This flowchartillustrates an example where Y=4.

The connector checking unit 322 checks whether or not FRT #Y is coupledto the midplane 5, i.e., mounted (Step D4).

If it is determined that FRT #Y is not coupled (refer to the NO routefrom Step D4), Y is incremented (Y=Y+1) (Step D10) and the controlreturns to Step D4.

If FRT #Y is coupled (refer to the YES route from Step D4), theconnector checking unit 322 reads the coupled status information of eachconnector 41 at FRT #Y gathered by the PLD in Step D2 (Step D5). Theconnector checking unit 322 stores the coupled status information ofeach connector 41 that is read, in the memory 34 as the FRT connectorinformation 341. In addition, variable Z is initialized by setting avalue of 0 (Z=0).

Note that Z is a variable corresponding to the number of connectors 41provided to the FRT 4, and in the present embodiment, Z is a naturalnumber of 0≤Z≤23, for example. This flowchart illustrates an examplewhere Z=24.

The connector checking unit 322 checks whether or not a communicationcable 8 is coupled to the connector 41 at PortZ (Step D6).

If it is determined that a communication cable 8 is not coupled to theconnector 41 at PortZ (refer to the NO route from Step D6), Z isincremented (Z=Z+1) (Step D11) and the control returns to Step D6.

If a communication cable 8 is coupled to the connector 41 at PortZ(refer to the YES route from Step D6), the connector checking unit 322reads the serial number of the communication cable 8 that is connectedto the connector 41 via the first data bus 90, and stores it in thememory 34 as the FRT connector information 341 (Step D7).

Thereafter, it is checked whether or not Z is 24 or greater (Step D8).When Z is less than 24 (refer to the NO route from Step D8), the controlproceeds to Step D11. Otherwise, when Z is 24 or greater (refer to theYES route from Step D8), the control proceeds to Step D9.

Specifically, it is checked whether or not Y is 4 or greater (Step D9).When Y is less than 4 (see the NO route from Step D9), the controlproceeds to Step D10. Otherwise, when Y is 4 or greater (refer to theYES route from Step D9), the processing ends.

Next, processing by the connector status notifying unit 323 in the SVC 3in the storage apparatus 1 as one example of the first embodiment willbe described with reference to a flowchart (Steps H1-H3) depicted inFIG. 14.

This processing starts when an interrupt notification of a port statusinformation request is received in the SVC 3 from a connection normalitydetermining unit 223 in a CM 2 (Step H1).

The connector status notifying unit 323 examines factors of the enteredinterrupt notification determines to which connector 31, i.e., to whichport the interrupt signal is entered (Step H2).

The connector status notifying unit 323 identifies the CM 2 that hassent the port status information request entered as the interruptsignal, by looking up the CM number matching information, based on theport number of the port to which the interrupt signal is entered.

The connector status notifying unit 323 then reads FRT connectorinformation (the coupled status and the serial number of thecommunication cable 8) of the port corresponding to the CM 2 that hassent the port status information request, by looking up the FRTconnector status information 341, and sends it to the CM 2 that has sentthe port status information request (Step H3). The processing ends.

Next, processing by the startup controlling unit 326 in the SVC 3 in thestorage apparatus 1 as one example of the first embodiment will bedescribed with reference to a flowchart (Steps J1-J5) depicted in FIG.15.

This processing is started when an interrupt notification of aconnection normal notification is received in the SVC 3 from aconnection normality determining unit 223 in a CM 2 (Step J1).

In the SVC 3, when the connection normal notification is received fromthe CM 2, information indicating that the connection normal notificationwas received is stored in a predetermined storage area in the memory 34(Step J2).

The startup controlling unit 326 checks, for each of the CMs 2, whetheror not a connection normal notification is sent, by looking up theinformation stored in the memory 34. The startup controlling unit 326checks whether connection normal notifications are received from thesufficient number of CMs 2 to start the storage apparatus 1 (Step J3).Note that from the sufficient number of CMs 2 to start the storageapparatus 1 is set in advance, and this value is used as the threshold.

If connection normal notifications are received from the sufficientnumber of CMs 2 to start the storage apparatus (refer to “NUMBER OFCONNECTION NORMAL NOTIFICATIONS IS SUFFICIENT FOR STARTUP OF APPARATUS”route from Step J3), the startup controlling unit 326 initiates acontrol to start the storage apparatus 1 (Step J4).

Otherwise, if connection normal notifications are not received from thesufficient number of CMs 2 to start the storage apparatus 1 (refer to“NUMBER OF CONNECTION NORMAL NOTIFICATIONS IS INSUFFICIENT FOR STARTUPOF APPARATUS” route from Step J3), the startup controlling unit 326prevents the storage apparatus 1 from being started (Step J5).Thereafter, this processing ends.

(c) Advantages

As described above, in the storage apparatus 1 as one example of thefirst embodiment, the connection normality determining unit 223determines whether or not connections with the communication cable 8between the connectors 21 provided to the CM 2 and the connectors 41provided to the FRT 4 are correct. Thereby, it is easily determinedwhether or not the CMs 2 and the FRTs 4 are properly connected using thecommunication cables 8.

The connection normality determining unit 223 compares the coupledstatuses of the respective communication cables 8 to the connectors 21in the CMs 2, checked by the connector checking unit 222 in the CM 2,with the coupled statuses of the respective communication cables 8 tothe connectors 41 in the FRTs 4, checked by the connector checking unit322 in the SVC 3. Thereby, the coupled status of one connector of acommunication cable 8 to a connector 21 in a CM 2, and the coupledstatus of the other connector to a connector 41 in an FRT 4, are easilychecked, and whether or not the communication cables 8 are properlyconnected can be easily determined.

A CM number inquiry and a CM number notification are exchanged betweenthe CM number recognizing unit 221 in a CM 2 and the CM number providingunit 321 in the SVC 3, through a monitor interface cable 70. Thereby,even if a communication cable 8 is not properly connected between a CM 2and an FRT 4, the CM number inquiry and CM number notification can beexchanged in a reliable manner.

(B) Second Embodiment

For example, in the storage apparatus 1, in a situation where the sizesof apparatuses are increased even with cabling of communication cables8, the number of communication cables 8 tends to be increased. Suchcabling tasks are done manually. Therefore, it is regarded that it isdifficult to avoid incorrect connections of communication cables 8 in astorage apparatus 1.

Thus, a storage apparatus 1 of a second embodiment includes functions toautonomously correct any incorrect connections with communication cables8 between CMs 2 and FRTs 4, thereby achieving reliable communicationsbetween the CMs 2 and the FRTs 4.

(a) Configuration

FIG. 16 is a diagram depicting the functional configuration of an SVC 3in a storage apparatus 1 as one example of a second embodiment, and FIG.17 is a diagram depicting the functional configuration of that CM 2.

Since reference symbols that are identical to the aforementionedreference symbols denote similar elements in the drawings, detaileddescriptions thereof will be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 16, in the storage apparatus 1 as one example of thesecond embodiment, in an SVC 3, an MPU 32 includes functions as a CMnumber providing unit 321, a connector checking unit 322 a, a connectorstatus managing unit 324, a connection correction data generating unit325, a pathway sorting out unit 327, and a connection correction datasending unit 329.

The connector checking unit 322 a gathers information on connectionswith the communication cables 8 at each of the connectors 41, for eachof the FRTs 4. Specifically, the connector checking unit 322 a gathersrespective serial numbers of connectors 41 in each FRT 4, from the eachFRT 4 via a first data bus 90. Since the connector checking unit 322 agathers serial numbers in the similar manner as the connector checkingunit 322 in the first embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof will beomitted.

The serial number gathered by the connector checking unit 322 a isstored in a predetermined area in the memory 34 as FRT connectorinformation 341 a, while being related to information for identifyingthe connector 41.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the FRT connector information 341 a inthe storage apparatus 1 as one example of the second embodiment. In theexample depicted in FIG. 18, the FRT connector information 341 a isillustrated in a table format, for the sake of brevity.

The FRT connector information 341 a depicted in FIG. 18 includes an FRTNo., a connector No, and a serial number (S/N), which are related toeach other, as entries.

The FRT No. is an identifier for identifying an FRT 4, and “0”, “1”,“2”, and “3” represent FRT #0, FRT #1, FRT #2, FRT #3, respectively, forexample.

The connector No. is an identifier for identifying a connector 41 (port)in the FRT 4, and “0”, “1”, “2”, and “3” correspond to the connectors 41connected to Port0, Port1, Port2, and Port3 provided to the FRT 4,respectively, for example.

The serial number is information gathered by the connector checking unit322. Note that in this second embodiment, serial numbers are representedby four-digit integers.

Accordingly, the first entry in the table depicted in the example inFIG. 18, for example, indicates that the communication cable 8 with aserial number of “1234” is coupled to the connector 41 of Port0 of FRT#0.

As described above, the connector checking unit 322 a functions as afirst gathering unit that gathers, for connectors 41 of each of the FRTs4, the serial number (first identifier) of the communication cable 8that is coupled (connected) to the connector 41.

The connector status managing unit (first managing unit) 324 receivesthe respective serial numbers (first identifiers) of communicationcables 8 that are coupled to connectors 21 in each CM 2, which are sentfrom the connector status notifying unit 224 (described later) in theeach CM 2. The connector status managing unit 324 then stores andmanages the received serial numbers in a predetermined storage area in amemory (first storage apparatus) 34, while relating them to identifiersfor identifying the connectors 21 in the CM 2, as CM connectorinformation (first identifier) 342 a.

The CM connector information 342 a is information about thecommunication cables 8 at the respective connectors 21 provided to theCM 2, and is generated by gathering the CM connector information 232 a(refer to FIG. 17) sent by the connector status notifying unit 224 inthe each CM 2.

The CM connector information 232 a includes serial numbers that are readfrom the respective communication cables 8 coupled to the connectors 21provided to each CM 2.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the CM connector information 342 a inthe storage apparatus 1 as one example of the second embodiment. In theexample depicted in FIG. 19, the CM connector information 342 a isillustrated in a table format, for the sake of brevity.

The CM connector information 342 a depicted in FIG. 19 includes a CMnumber, a connector No., and a serial number (S/N), as entries CMnumber, which are related to each other.

The CM number is the CM number of each CM 2, and values of “0”, “1”,“2”, and “3” indicate CMs #0, #1, #2, and #3, respectively, for example.While CMs #3 and #4 are not illustrated in the example depicted in FIG.1, these CM #2 and #3 also have configurations as those of CMs #0 and#1.

The connector No. is an identifier for identifying each connector 21(port) in the CM 2, and values of “0”, “1”, “2”, and “3” indicate therespective connectors 21 connected to Port0, Port1, Port2, and Port3provided to the CM 2, for example.

The serial number is information gathered by the connector checking unit222 a described later.

For example, the first entry in the table depicted in FIG. 19 indicatesthat the communication cable 8 with a serial number of “1234” isconnected (couple) to the connector 21 of Port0 of CM #0.

As described above, the connector checking unit 222 a (refer to FIG. 17)functions as a second gathering unit that gathers, for each connector 21in the CM 2, the serial number (first identifier) of the communicationcable 8 that is coupled (connected) to the connector 21.

The connection correction data generating unit 325 checks connectionsbetween the CM 2 and the FRT 4 through the communication cables 8, anddetermines whether or not the communication cables 8 connected to theconnector 21 in the CM 2 are properly connected to the connectors 41 inthe FRT 4, in accordance with the apparatus specifications.

For example, the connection correction data generating unit 325 looks upthe respective serial numbers of the connectors 41 in each FRT 4gathered by the connector checking unit 322 a, and the respective serialnumbers of connectors 21 in each CM 2, which are managed by theconnector status managing unit 324 and sent from the connector statusnotifying unit 224 in the each CM 2. The connection correction datagenerating unit 325 then checks the relationships between the connectors21 in the CM 2 and the connectors 41 in the FRT 4, based on those serialnumbers.

The connection correction data generating unit 325 then determineswhether or not the specification is satisfied, by comparing therespective combinations of the connectors 21 in the CM 2 and theconnectors 41 in the FRT 4, with the apparatus specifications that havebeen set in advance.

If any combination of a connector 21 in the CM 2 and a connectors 41 inthe FRT 4 that is not compliant with the apparatus specifications isfound, the connection correction data generating unit 325 determinessuch a combination as an incorrect connection.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the connection correction data 343 inthe storage apparatus 1 as one example of the second embodiment. In theexample depicted in FIG. 20, the connection correction data 343 isillustrated in a table format.

The connection correction data 343 exemplified in FIG. 20 is connectioncorrection data 343 that corresponds to the FRT connector statusinformation 341 exemplified in FIG. 18, and to the CM connectorinformation 342 exemplified in FIG. 19.

For example, the apparatus specifications specifies that connectors 21in the CM 2 of a CM number “0” (CM #0) are to be connected to theconnector 41 of a connector No. “0” (Port0) in each FRT 4. Similarly,connectors 21 in a CM 2 with the CM number of “1” (CM #1) are to beconnected to the connector 41 of a connector No. “1” (Port1) in each FRT4, and connectors 21 in the CM 2 of a CM number “2” (CM #2) are to beconnected to the connector 41 of a connector No. “2” (Port2) in each FRT4.

For example, in the example depicted in FIG. 19, the communication cable8 with a serial number of “1234” is coupled to the connector No. “0” inthe CM 2 of a CM number “0” (CM #0). Also, in the example depicted inFIG. 18, the communication cable 8 with a serial number of “1234” iscoupled to the connector 41 of a connector No. “0” in the FRT 4 havingan FRT No. “0” (FRT #0). Accordingly, the communication cable 8 with aserial number of “1234” is connected to the CM 2 and the FRT 4, incompliant with the apparatus specifications.

As described above, in the CM connector information 342 exemplified inFIG. 19, the connectors 21 in the CM 2 of a CM number “0” (CM #0) arecoupled to the connectors 41 of a connector No. “0” in the respectiveFRTs 4 in compliant with the apparatus specifications, as depicted inFIG. 18.

On the contrary, for example, in the example depicted in FIG. 19, thecommunication cable 8 with a serial number of “2234” is coupled to theconnector No. “0” in the CM 2 of a CM number “1” (CM #1). Also, in theexample depicted in FIG. 18, the communication cable 8 with a serialnumber of “2234” is coupled to the connector 41 of a connector No. “3”in the FRT 4 having an FRT No. “0” (FRT #0).

Thus, although the communication cable 8 with a serial number of “2234”has to be coupled to the connector 41 of a connector No. “1” in the FRT4 having an FRT No. “0” (FRT #0), it is connected to the CM 2 and theFRT 4 the manner not compliant with the apparatus specifications.

As described above, if there is any combination of a connector 21 in aCM 2 and a connector 41 in an FRT 4 not compliant with the apparatusspecifications, the connection correction data generating unit 325determines such a combination, as the communication cable 8 beingconnected incorrectly.

In the above-described example, the connection correction datagenerating unit 325 determines the combination between the connector No.“0” in the CM 2 of a CM number “1” and the connector 41 of a connectorNo. “3” in the FRT 4 having an FRT No. “0”, which is connected throughthe communication cable 8 with a serial number of “2234”, as anincorrect connection.

When any communication cable 8 is determined as having an incorrectconnection, the connection correction data generating unit 325identifies a combination of the connector 21 in the CM 2 and theconnector 41 in the FRT 4 for that determined incorrect connection, and,registers it to connection correction data 343.

In the example depicted in FIG. 20, the combination of the connector No.“0” in the CM 2 of a CM number “1” (CM #1) and the connector 41 of aconnector No. “3” in the FRT 4 having an FRT No. “0” (FRT #0) connectedthrough the communication cable 8 with a serial number of “2234” that isdetermined as having an incorrect connection as described above, isregistered to the connection correction data 343.

The connection correction data sending unit 329 sends, to each CM 2, theconnection correction data 343 generated by the connection correctiondata generating unit 325.

The pathway sorting out unit 327 performs a control to check connectionsbetween the CMs 2 and the FRTs 4 through the communication cables 8, andif multiple communication cables 8 are connected from a single CM 2 tothe same FRT 4, eliminates redundant connections, by disconnectingcommunication cables 8 except for a single communication cable 8.

The apparatus specifications specifies that, in the storage apparatus 1,upon connecting from the CMs 2 to the FRTs 4 through the communicationcables 8, the number of connection lines equivalent to the number ofFRTs 4 are to be defined, in each CM 2, by connecting each CM 2 to allFRTs 4 with a single communication cable 8. Thus, connections are madefrom one CM 2 to the same FRT 4 with multiple communication cables 8(redundant connections), no connection is made from that CM 2 to any ofthe FRTs 4. Accordingly, the pathway sorting out unit 327 has a functionto detect any redundant connections from the CM 2 to the same FRT 4 andsort out to a single valid connection.

The pathway sorting out unit 327, if there are any duplicated cableconnections (pathways) among the CMs 2 and the FRT 4, disables thoseduplicated pathways, except for one pathway.

Specifically, the pathway sorting out unit 327, if there are anyduplicated pathways among the CMs 2 and the FRT 4, selects a single port(the connector 21) to be used, and disables other pathways bydisconnecting ports in the FRT 4.

The pathway sorting out unit 327, upon disabling pathways, for example,if there is any pathway that is compliant with the apparatusspecifications among the duplicated pathways, disables all of suchpathways, except for the pathway that is compliant with the apparatusspecifications. Otherwise, if there is no pathway that is compliant withthe apparatus specifications among the duplicated pathways, variousmodifications may be made, such as preferentially select a pathway to beremained, which has the smallest CM number, FRT No., connector No., orthe like, for example.

Hereinafter, examples of how a pathway to be used is selected amongduplicated pathways, if there are any duplicated pathways among the CMs2 and the FRT 4.

(Example 1) CM #0 is Redundantly Connected to FRT #0 Through Three Lines

For example, if the standard apparatus specifications specify thatConnector #0 has to use CM #0, the pathway sorting out unit 327 selectsto use only the pathway that uses Connector #0 compliant with theapparatus specifications, and disconnects Connectors #1 and #2 in otherlines.

Specifically, if there is any pathway compliant with the apparatusspecifications among the redundant pathways, a pathway specified in theapparatus specifications is used.

(Example 2) CM #1 is Connected to FRT #1 Only with a Single Line

For example, even if the standard apparatus specifications specify thatthat Connector #1 has to use CM #1, when the connection line count isone as specified (non-redundant connection), the connection of Connector#0 is permitted although this is not compliant with the apparatusspecifications. The connection correction data generating unit 325 thengenerates connection correction data 343, the communication controllingunit 226 makes a connection using the connection correction data 343.

Specifically, although a CM 2 and an FRT 4 are connected with a pathwaythat is not compliant with the apparatus specifications, given that theCM 2 and the FRT 4 are connected with a pathway of a single line, thatpathway is permitted even if that pathways is not compliant with theapparatus specifications.

(Example 3) CM #1 is Connected to FRT #2 with Two Lines

For example, when the standard apparatus specifications specify that CM#1 has to use Connector #1, the connection of Connector #1 that iscompliant with the apparatus specifications is permitted and theconnection correction data generating unit 325 generates connectioncorrection data 343. The communication controlling unit 226 makes aconnection using the connection correction data 343. Connector #0 isdisconnected since it is an extra connection.

In addition, if two or more lines are connected and there is noconnection with a connector specified in the apparatus specifications, aone that is connected to a connector having a smaller connector No. ispreferentially selected, for example.

For example, in the example depicted in FIG. 19, the communication cable8 with a serial number of “3345” is connected to the connector 21 of theconnector No. “1” in CM #2 with CM number “2”, and the communicationcable 8 with a serial number of “3367” is connected to the connector 21of connector No. “3” in CM #2 with CM number “2”.

Also, in the example depicted in FIG. 18, the communication cable 8 witha serial number of “3345” is connected to the connector 41 of aconnector No. “1” in FRT #1 with FRT No. “1”, and the communicationcable 8 with a serial number of “3367” is connected to the connector 41of a connector No. “2” in FRT 4 #1 with FRT No. “1”.

Specifically, CM #2 and FRT #1 are connected through two communicationcable 8, which is a duplicated pathway configuration.

The pathway sorting out unit 327 disables, among these redundantconnections, the connection with the connector 41 of a connector No. “1”by disconnecting it to keep the connection between CM #2 and theconnector 41 of a connector No. “2” in FRT #1, which is compliant withthe apparatus specifications, for example.

In addition, for the excessively connected and disconnected port in theFRT 4, an alarm is issued in the storage apparatus 1 in response to thedisconnection and the fault is detected. Accordingly, a user is notifiedthat there was an incorrect connection at the port in the FRT 4.

In response to the disconnection of the port in the FRT 4, a controlprogram handles it as a line fault in the CM 2. Thereby, the systemadministrator and other users can be notified of an incorrect wiringbetween the CM 2 and the FRT 4.

Thereafter, after the wiring with the communication cable 8 is properlycorrected by a maintenance engineer or other users, a recovery of lineis notified.

In addition, as depicted in FIG. 17, the CPU 22 in each CM 2 includesfunctions as a CM number recognizing unit 221, a connector checking unit222 a, a connector status notifying unit 224, a connection correctiondata managing unit 225, and a communication controlling unit 226.

The connector checking unit 222 a gathers information about connectionswith the communication cables 8 at each connector 21 provided to thelocal CM 2. Specifically, the connector checking unit 222 a, for eachconnector 21, gathers the serial number of the communication cable 8that is coupled to the connector 21. Since the connector checking unit222 a gathers serial numbers in the similar manner as the connectorchecking unit 222 in the first embodiment, detailed descriptions thereofwill be omitted.

The serial numbers gathered by the connector checking unit 222 a arestored in a predetermined area in the memory 23, while being related toinformation for identifying the connector 21, as CM connectorinformation 232 a (refer to FIG. 17).

As described above, the connector checking unit 222 a functions as asecond gathering unit that gathers, for each connector 21 provided tothe CM 2, the serial number (second identifier) of the communicationcable 8 connected to the connector 21.

Similarly to the connector checking unit 222 in the first embodiment,the connector checking unit 222 a may gather a coupled status (secondconnected status information) that indicates a connected status of acommunication cable 8.

The connector status notifying unit 224 notifies the SVC 3 ofinformation gathered by the connector checking unit 222 a. The connectorstatus notifying unit 224 stores the serial number of the communicationcable 8 coupled to the connector 21, which is gathered by the connectorchecking unit 222 a, in notification data, while relating to informationfor identifying the connector 21 (e.g., connector No.).

The notification data is stored in a predetermined storage area in thememory 23, for example, and the serial number of the communication cable8, that is related to the connector No. of the connector 21 to which thecommunication cable 8 is connected is stored.

The connector status notifying unit 224 then sends, to the SVC 3, thenotification data through the monitor interface cable 70.

The connection correction data managing unit 225 receives the connectioncorrection data 343 sent from the connection correction data generatingunit 325 in the SVC 3, and stores it in a predetermined storage area inthe memory 23 as connection correction data 233. If connectioncorrection data 233 has already been stored in the memory 23, when theconnection correction data managing unit 225 receives additionalconnection correction data 343 from the SVC 3, it updates the connectioncorrection data 233 that has been stored in the memory 23, with the newconnection correction data 343 that is received.

The communication controlling unit 226 performs a control to send datafrom that CM 2 to the other CMs 2.

The communication controlling unit 226, upon sending data to theconnector 21 in the CM 2 registered in the connection correction data233, in the connection correction data 233, selects the connector 41 inthe FRT 4 that has been registered in combination with the counterpartconnector 21, as a communication pathway, and sends the data.

Accordingly, the communication controlling unit 226 performs a pathwayswitching control that uses, when data is sent to the connector 21 inthe CM 2 registered in the connection correction data 233, the connector41 in the FRT 4 registered in the connection correction data 233, inplace of the connector 41 in the FRT 4 specified in the apparatusspecifications.

Thereby, even if a communication cable 8 is not properly connectedbetween a CM 2 and an FRT 4, data can be properly sent from anoriginator CM 2 to a destination CM 2.

In addition, upon sending data to a connector 21 in the CM 2 that hasnot been registered in the connection correction data 233, thecommunication controlling unit 226 sends data using predeterminedcommunication pathway (the connector 41 in the FRT 4) in accordance withthe apparatus specifications.

For example, in the example depicted in FIGS. 19-20, since theconnectors 21 in CM #0 are connected to the connectors 41 with aconnector No. “0” in FRTs #0 to #3 compliant with the apparatusspecifications, the connectors 21 in CM #0 are not registered in theconnection correction data 343 (refer to FIG. 20). Accordingly, thecommunication controlling unit 226, upon sending data from CM #0, usesthe connector 41 in the FRT 4 specified in the apparatus specifications.

In contrast, the respective communication cables 8 connected to theconnectors 21 in CM #1 are incorrectly connected to the connectors 41with a connector No. “3” in FRTs #0 to #3, which is not compliant withthe apparatus specifications. Specifically, all ports in the CM 2 areconnected to the connectors 41 in the manner not compliant with theapparatus specifications. In such a case, the communication controllingunit 226, in every occasion to send data from CM #1, looks up theconnection correction data 343, switches (corrects) the connector 41 inthe FRT 4 to be used as a communication pathway.

(b) Operations

Processing by a connector checking unit 222 a and a connector statusnotifying unit 224 in a CM 2 in the storage apparatus 1 as one exampleof the second embodiment configured as described above, will bedescribed with reference to a flowchart (Steps K1-K4) depicted in FIG.21.

The connector checking unit 222 a checks a coupled status of acommunication cables 8 at a connectors 21, via the FPGA in the monitordevice 25 (Step K1).

If it is determined that a communication cable 8 is coupled to theconnector 21 (refer to the “COUPLED” route from Step K1), the connectorstatus notifying unit 224 stores the serial number obtained by theconnector checking unit 222, in notification data that is stored in apredetermined storage area in the memory 23 (Step K2) and the controlproceeds to Step K4.

Otherwise, if it is determined that a communication cable 8 is notcoupled to the connector 21 (refer to the “NOT COUPLED YET” route fromStep K1), the connector status notifying unit 224 clears the serialnumber of the connector 21 in the notification data (Step K3) and thecontrol proceeds to Step K4.

After the serial numbers of all of the connectors 21 in the CM 2 towhich communication cables 8 are coupled are stored in notificationdata, the connector status notifying unit 224 sends the notificationdata to the SVC 3 (Step K4) and the processing ends.

Next, processing by a connection correction data managing unit 225 in aCM 2 in the storage apparatus 1 as one example of the second embodimentwill be described with reference to a flowchart (Steps L1-L2) depictedin FIG. 22.

When connection correction data 343 is sent from the connectioncorrection data sending unit 329 in the SVC 3, the connection correctiondata managing unit 225 receives the connection correction data 343 (StepL1) and stores the received connection correction data 343 in apredetermined storage area in the memory 23, as connection correctiondata 233 (Step L2) and the processing ends.

Next, processing by a communication controlling unit 226 in a CM 2 inthe storage apparatus 1 as one example of the second embodiment will bedescribed with reference to a flowchart (Steps M1-M4) depicted in FIG.23.

The communication controlling unit 226 looks up the connectioncorrection data 233, and checks whether or not a port (the connector 21)in the CM 2 of a communication counterpart is registered (Step M1).

If the connector 21 in the CM 2 of the communication counterpart is notregistered in the connection correction data 233 (refer to the NO routefrom Step M1), the communication controlling unit 226 sets a port (theconnector 41) in the FRT 4 specified in the apparatus specifications, asa communication pathway (Step M2).

Otherwise, if the connector 21 in the CM 2 of the communicationcounterpart is registered in the connection correction data 233 (referto the YES route from Step M1), the communication controlling unit 226sets, as a communication pathway, the port (the connector 41) in the FRT4 that is registered in the connection correction data 343,corresponding to the connector 21 in the CM 2 of the communicationcounterpart (Step M3).

Thereafter, the communication controlling unit 226 sends data to thecommunication pathway that is set (Step M4), and the processing ends.

Next, processing by the connector status managing unit 324 in the SVC 3in the storage apparatus 1 as one example of the second embodiment willbe described with reference to a flowchart (Steps P1-P2) depicted inFIG. 24.

The connector status managing unit 324 receives the serial numbers ofall of the connectors 21 in each CM 2, which are sent from a connectorstatus notifying unit 224 in the each CM 2 (step P1).

The connector status managing unit 324 registers the received serialnumbers to CM connector information 342 a (Step P2), and the processingends.

Next, processing by the pathway sorting out unit 327 in the SVC 3 in thestorage apparatus 1 as one example of the second embodiment will bedescribed with reference to a flowchart (Steps Q1-Q7) depicted in FIG.25.

In Step Q1, loop processing where the controls to Step Q6 are repeatedon all of the CMs 2 present in the storage apparatus 1 is initiated.

In Step Q2, loop processing where the controls to Step Q5 are repeatedon all of the FRTs 4 present in the storage apparatus 1 is initiated.

In Step Q3, the pathway sorting out unit 327 searches for communicationcables 8 connecting from a CM 2 to a FRT 4.

In Step Q4, the pathway sorting out unit 327 determines the number ofcables connecting a CM 2 and a FRT 4. Specifically, the pathway sortingout unit 327 checks whether there is any redundant connection betweenone CM 2 and one FRT 4.

If there are two or more cables connecting a CM 2 and a FRT 4 (refer to“TWO OR MORE” route from Step Q4), in Step Q5, the pathway sorting outunit 327 selects one cable connection to be used, and disconnects theport in the FRT 4 for the other connections.

Otherwise, if there is one cable connecting a CM 2 and a FRT 4 (refer to“ONE” route from Step Q4), Step Q5 is skipped.

Thereafter, the control proceeds to Step Q6. In Step Q6, loop endprocessing corresponding to Step Q2 is performed. Here, if theprocessing is completed for all of the FRTs 4, the control proceeds toStep Q7.

In Step Q7, loop end processing corresponding to Step Q1 is performed.Here, if the processing is completed for all of the CMs 2, this flowends.

Next, processing by the connection correction data generating unit 325in the SVC 3 in the storage apparatus 1 as one example of the secondembodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart (Steps R1-R7)depicted in FIG. 26.

In Step R1, loop processing where the controls to Step R6 are repeatedon all of the CMs 2 present in the storage apparatus 1 is initiated.

In Step R2, loop processing where the controls to Step R5 are repeatedon all of the connectors 21 (port) present in the CM 2 is initiated.

In Step R3, the connection correction data generating unit 325 findscable connections connecting from a CM 2 to an FRT 4, and in Step R4,determines whether or not the cable connection is compliant with theapparatus specifications. If it is determined that the cable connectionis different from the apparatus specifications (refer to the “DIFFERENTFROM SPECIFICATIONS” route from Step R4), in Step R5, the connectioncorrection data generating unit 325 identifies that combination of theconnector 21 in the CM 2 and the connector 41 in the FRT 4 and registersit to the connection correction data 343.

Otherwise, if the cable connection is as specified in the apparatusspecifications (refer to the “AS SPECIFIED IN SPECIFICATIONS” route fromStep R4), Step R5 is skipped.

Thereafter, the control proceeds to Step R6. In Step R6, loop endprocessing corresponding to Step R2 is performed. Here, if theprocessing is completed for all of the ports (the connectors 21) in theCMs 2, the control proceeds to Step R7.

In Step R7, loop end processing corresponding to Step R1 is performed.Here, if the processing is completed for all of the CMs 2, this flowends.

Next, processing by the connection correction data sending unit 329 inthe SVC 3 in the storage apparatus 1 as one example of the secondembodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart (Steps S1-S4)depicted in FIG. 27.

The connection correction data sending unit 329 sets a target CM 2 towhich connection correction data 343 is to be sent (Step S1). Theconnection correction data 343 is to be sent to all of the CMs 2 in thestorage apparatus 1, and hence the connection correction data sendingunit 329 sequentially selects a CM 2 to which connection correction data343 has not been sent, among all of the CMs 2, as a target.

The connection correction data sending unit 329 sends the connectioncorrection data 343 that is updated in the SVC 3, to the CM 2 set inStep S1, through the monitor interface cable 70 (Step S2).

Thereafter, the connection correction data sending unit 329 looks for anext target CM 2 (Step S3). The connection correction data sending unit329 checks whether or not there is any CM 2 to which connectioncorrection data 343 has not been sent (Step S4). If there is a CM 2 towhich connection correction data 343 has not been sent (refer to the YESroute from Step S4), the control returns to Step S1. Otherwise, if thereis no CM 2 to which connection correction data 343 has not been sent(refer to the NO route from Step S4), the processing ends.

(c) Advantages

As described above, in accordance with the storage apparatus 1 as oneexample of the second embodiment, if there is an incorrect connectiondifferent from the apparatus specifications, among connections with thecommunication cables 8 between the CMs 2 and the FRTs 4, the connectioncorrection data generating unit 325 generates the connection correctiondata 343, reflecting the connected status of the communication cable 8.

In a CM 2, when data is sent to the connector 21 in the CM 2 registeredin the connection correction data 233, the communication controllingunit 226 selects the connector 41 in the FRT 4 that is registered in theconnection correction data 233 in combination with the counterpartconnector 21, as a communication pathway, and sends data.

Thereby, even if a communication cable 8 is not properly connectedbetween a CM 2 and an FRT 4, data transmission can be achieved and thestorage apparatus 1 can be operated in a stable manner.

When the connection correction data generating unit 325 determines acommunication cable 8 as being incorrectly connected, the combination ofthe connector 21 in the CM 2 and the connector 41 in the FRT 4 isidentified for the determined incorrect connection and is registered tothe connection correction data 343. Thereby, the connection correctiondata 343 that reflects actual pathways connected through thecommunication cable 8 is generated, and data can be sent in a reliablemanner.

When multiple communication cables 8 are connected from one CM 2 to thesame the FRT 4, the pathway sorting out unit 327 eliminates redundantconnections by disconnects all of the redundant communication cables 8,except for a single communication cable 8.

In response to the disconnection of the port in the FRT 4, a controlprogram handles it as a line fault in the CM 2. Thereby, the systemadministrator and other users can be notified of an incorrect wiringbetween the CM 2 and the FRT 4.

(C) Miscellaneous

Note that the program for implementing the functions as the CM numberproviding unit 321, the connector checking units 322 and 322 a, theconnector status notifying unit 323, the connector status managing unit324, the connection correction data generating unit 325, the startupcontrolling unit 326, the pathway sorting out unit 327, and theconnection correction data sending unit 329, of the SVC 3 in the storageapparatus 1, in accordance with the first and second embodimentsdescribed above, is provided in the form of programs recorded on acomputer-readable recording medium, such as, for example, a flexibledisk, a CD (e.g., CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW), a DVD (e.g., DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM,DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, HD DVD), a Blu-ray disk, a magnetic disk,an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like. The computer readsthe program out of the recording medium and transfers the program to aninternal or an external storage device for use. Alternatively, theprogram may be recorded on a storage unit (storage medium), for example,a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like,and the program may be provided from the storage unit to the computerthrough a communication path.

Upon embodying the functions as the CM number providing unit 321, theconnector checking units 322 and 322 a, the connector status notifyingunit 323, the connector status managing unit 324, the connectioncorrection data generating unit 325, the startup controlling unit 326,the pathway sorting out unit 327, and the connection correction datasending unit 329, a program stored in an internal storage apparatus (theRAM or the ROM in the memory 34 in the present embodiment) is executedby a microprocessor of the computer (the MPU 32 in the presentembodiment). In this case, the computer may alternatively read a programstored in the storage medium for executing it.

In addition, the program for implementing the functions as the CM numberrecognizing unit 221, the connector checking units 222 and 222 a, theconnection normality determining unit 223, the connector statusnotifying unit 224, the connection correction data managing unit 225,and the communication controlling unit 226, of a CM 2 in the storageapparatus 1 in accordance with the first and second embodimentsdescribed above, is provided in the form of programs recorded on acomputer-readable recording medium, such as, for example, a flexibledisk, a CD (e.g., CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW), a DVD (e.g., DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM,DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, HD DVD), a Blu Ray disk, a magnetic disk,an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like. The computer readsthe program out of the recording medium and transfers the program to aninternal or an external storage device for use. Alternatively, theprogram may be recorded on a storage unit (storage medium), for example,a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like,and the program may be provided from the storage unit to the computerthrough a communication path.

Upon embodying the functions as the CM number recognizing unit 221, theconnector checking units 222 and 222 a, the connection normalitydetermining unit 223, the connector status notifying unit 224, theconnection correction data managing unit 225, and the communicationcontrolling unit 226, a program stored in an internal storage apparatus(the RAM or the ROM in the memory 34 in the present embodiment) isexecuted by a microprocessor of the computer (the MPU 32 in the presentembodiment). In this case, the computer may alternatively read a programstored in the storage medium for executing it.

The disclosed technique is not limited to the above-describedembodiments, and various modifications may be made to the extent notdeparting from the spirit of the present embodiment. The configurationsand processing in these embodiments may be omitted or selected wheredeemed necessary, or may be suitably combined.

For example, the number of CMs 2 and the number of FRTs 4 provided inthe storage apparatus 1 is not limited to those in the above-describedembodiments and various modifications may be made.

In addition, similarly, the number of connector 21 provided in each CM 2or the number of connectors 41 provided in each FRT 4 is also notlimited to those in the above-described embodiments and variousmodifications may be made.

Furthermore, while an example where the communication cables 8 are PCIecables and communications are performed between the CMs 2 and the FRTs 4in accordance with the PCIe has been described in the above-describedembodiments, this is not limiting and this technique may be applied tocommunications compliant with other standards than the PCIe.

In addition, while an example of the communication cables 8 connectingthe CMs 2 and the FRTs 4 in the storage apparatus 1 has been describedin the above-described embodiments, this is not limiting. For example,this technique may be applied to computer systems, such as those inwhich multiple information processing apparatuses are connected, andvarious modifications may be made.

Those skilled in the art can practice and manufacture the presentembodiments by referring to the above disclosure.

In accordance with one embodiment, incorrect connections ofcommunication cables can be easily found.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forthe pedagogical purposes of aiding the reader in understanding theinvention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further theart, and are not to be construed limitations to such specificallyrecited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of suchexamples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority andinferiority of the invention. Although one or more embodiments of thepresent inventions have been described in detail, it should beunderstood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterationscould be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication system comprising: acommunication apparatus comprising a plurality of first connectors; acontrolling apparatus that comprises a plurality of second connectorsand is connected to the communication apparatus through a plurality ofcommunication cables; and a management apparatus that is connected tothe communication apparatus and the controlling apparatus; themanagement apparatus comprises: an apparatus identifier setting unitthat sets an apparatus identifier for identifying the controllingapparatus, the controlling apparatus being connected to the managementapparatus via a communication path that is different from thecommunication cables; a first gathering unit that gathers a firstidentifier that is a serial number of each of the plurality ofcommunication cables coupled to the plurality of first connectors of thecommunication apparatus; and the controlling apparatus comprises: anapparatus identifier obtaining unit that obtains the apparatusidentifier from the apparatus identifier setting unit via thecommunication path; a second gathering unit that gathers a secondidentifier that is a serial number of each of the plurality ofcommunication cables coupled to the plurality of second connectors ofthe controlling apparatus; and a connection normality determining unitthat determines whether or not the communication cables that connectbetween the controlling apparatus and the communication apparatus areconnected properly, by comparing the first identifiers with the secondidentifiers, the connection normality determining unit obtains the firstidentifier for the respective communication cables coupled to the firstconnectors which apparatus specifications specify to be connected to thesecond connectors from among the first identifiers gathered by the firstgathering unit, by referring to the apparatus specifications specifyingrespective combinations of the first connectors and the secondconnectors of the control apparatus associated with the apparatusidentifier obtained by the apparatus identifier obtaining unit, when thesecond identifier of each of the plurality of communication cablesmatches the first identifier of the communication cable, the connectionnormality determining unit determines that the second connector coupledto the communication cable is correctly connected, and when the secondidentifier of each of the plurality of communication cables does notmatch the first identifier of the communication cable, the connectionnormality determining unit determines that the second connector coupledto the communication cable is not correctly connected.
 2. Thecommunication system according to claim 1, wherein the first identifiersare managed in the management apparatus, and the second identifiers aremanaged in the controlling apparatus.
 3. A communication systemcomprising; a communication apparatus comprising a plurality of firstconnectors; a controlling apparatus that comprises a plurality of secondconnectors and is connected to the communication apparatus through aplurality of communication cables; and a management apparatus that isconnected to the communication apparatus and the controlling apparatus,the management apparatus comprises: an apparatus identifier setting unitthat sets an apparatus identifier for identifying the controllingapparatus, the controlling apparatus being connected to the managementapparatus via a communication path that is different from thecommunication cables; and a first gathering unit that gathers firstidentifiers that are serial numbers of the communication cables coupledto the plurality of first connectors of the communication apparatus; andthe controlling apparatus comprises: an apparatus identifier obtainingunit that obtains the apparatus identifier from the apparatus identifiersetting unit via the communication path; and a second gathering unitthat gathers the second identifiers that are serial numbers of thecommunication cables coupled to the plurality of second connectors ofthe controlling apparatus; and the management apparatus furthercomprises a connection correction information generating unit thatgenerates connection correction information identifying combinations ofthe first connectors and the second connectors to be connected to thefirst connectors, when another first connectors is connected to thesecond connectors of the controlling apparatus, the another firstconnectors are not the first connectors to be connected to the secondconnectors, by comparing the first identifiers with second identifiers,the first identifiers identifying the respective communication cablescoupled to the first connectors which apparatus specifications specifyto be connected to the second connector from among the first identifiersgathered by the first gathering unit, by referring to the apparatusspecifications specifying respective combinations of the firstconnectors and the second connectors of the control apparatus associatedwith the apparatus identifier obtained by the apparatus identifierobtaining unit, and determining statuses indicating the way that thefirst connectors are connected to the second connectors through thecommunication cables, and the controlling apparatus further comprises acommunication controlling unit that sets the first connectors to beconnected to the second connectors as a communication pathway andperforms a data communication between the communication apparatus andthe controlling apparatus, based on the connection correctioninformation.
 4. The communication system according to claim 3, furthercomprising a pathway sorting out unit that, in a case where thecontrolling apparatus and the communication apparatus are connected viaa plurality of pathways through a plurality of communication cables in aredundant manner, disables all pathways among the redundant pathways,except for one pathway.
 5. The communication system according to claim3, wherein the first identifiers are managed in the managementapparatus, and the second identifiers are managed in the controllingapparatus.
 6. A management apparatus that manages, in a communicationsystem comprising a communication apparatus comprising a plurality offirst connectors; a controlling apparatus that comprises a plurality ofsecond connectors and is connected to the communication apparatusthrough a plurality of communication cables; and the managementapparatus is connected to the communication apparatus and thecontrolling apparatus, and provides for communications between thecommunication apparatus and the controlling apparatus, the managementapparatus comprising: an apparatus identifier setting unit that sets anapparatus identifier for identifying the controlling apparatus, thecontrolling apparatus being connected to the management apparatus via acommunication path that is different from the communication cables; afirst gathering unit that gathers first identifiers that are serialnumbers of the communication cables coupled to the plurality of firstconnectors of the communication apparatus; an obtaining unit thatobtains second identifiers that are serial numbers of the communicationcables coupled to the plurality of second connectors of the controllingapparatus; a connection correction information generating unit thatgenerates connection correction information identifying combinations ofthe first connectors and the second connectors to be connected to thefirst connectors, when another first connectors is connected to thesecond connectors of the controlling apparatus, the another firstconnectors are not the first connectors to be connected to the secondconnectors, by comparing the first identifiers with second identifiers,the first identifiers identifying the respective communication cablescoupled to the first connectors which apparatus specifications specifyto be connected to the second connector from among the first identifiersgathered by the first gathering unit, by referring to the apparatusspecifications specifying respective combinations of the firstconnectors and the second connectors of the control apparatus associatedwith the apparatus identifier obtained by the apparatus identifierobtaining unit, and determining statuses indicating the way that thefirst connectors are connected to the second connectors through thecommunication cables; and a connection correction information sendingunit that sends the generated connection correction information to thecontrolling apparatus.
 7. The management apparatus according to claim 6,further comprising a pathway sorting out unit that, in a case where thecontrolling apparatus and the communication apparatus are connected viaa plurality of pathways through a plurality of communication cables in aredundant manner, disables all pathways among the redundant pathways,except for one pathway.
 8. The management apparatus according to claim6, wherein the first identifiers are managed in the managementapparatus, and the second identifiers are managed in the controllingapparatus.
 9. A controlling apparatus, in a communication systemcomprising a communication apparatus comprising a plurality of firstconnectors; the controlling apparatus comprises a plurality of secondconnectors and is connected to the communication apparatus through aplurality of communication cables; and a management apparatus that isconnected to the communication apparatus and the controlling apparatus,the controlling apparatus performing a process comprising: obtainingunit that obtains the apparatus identifier from the apparatus identifiersetting unit via the communication path; gathering a second identifierthat is a serial number of each of the plurality of communication cablescoupled to the plurality of second connectors of the controllingapparatus; determining whether the communication cables that connectbetween the controlling apparatus and the communication apparatus areconnected properly, by obtaining the first identifier for the respectivecommunication cables coupled to the first connectors which apparatusspecifications specify to be connected to the second connector fromamong the first identifiers gathered by the controlling apparatus, byreferring to the apparatus specifications specifying respectivecombinations of the first connectors and the second connectors of thecontrol apparatus associated with the apparatus identifier, andcomparing the first identifier with the second identifiers; determining,when the second identifier of each of the plurality of communicationcables matches the first identifier of the communication cable, that thesecond connector coupled to the communication cable is correctlyconnected; and determining, when the second identifier of each of theplurality of communication cables does not match the first identifier ofthe communication cable, that the second connector coupled to thecommunication cable is not correctly connected.
 10. The controllingapparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first identifiers aremanaged in the management apparatus, and the second identifiers aremanaged in the controlling apparatus.